Texas House Bill HB1617

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/1/11
• Introduced: 2/22/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11

Caption

Relating to uniform law on secured transactions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1617 would modernize and standardize laws surrounding secured transactions, assisting banks and other financial institutions in their dealings with accounts and chattel papers. Changes include specifics on how interests can be perfected and maintained in electronic formats, along with specifying how effective notices are handled. This restructuring is expected to provide greater predictability for businesses and lenders, potentially decreasing disputes over security interests, and thus promoting economic activity by facilitating smoother credit transactions.

Summary

House Bill 1617 aims to amend the Business and Commerce Code regarding secured transactions by introducing clarifications and updates to the laws governing the perfection of security interests. The bill emphasizes the importance of establishing control and defining terms related to electronic chattel paper, which is a digital representation of a secured transaction. This aspect is critical as more transactions move into digital formats, requiring legislation that keeps pace with technological advancements. The amendments are designed to streamline the process of securing interests and enhance the clarity of various provisions related to secured transactions.

Contention

Notably, the amendments may raise some points of contention regarding the balance of power between secured parties and debtors. Critics argue that the emphasis on electronic controls may disenfranchise small business owners who might not have the means to navigate digital security mechanisms as effectively as larger institutions. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of protections for debtors in an increasingly digitized economy, particularly those who may be less familiar with technology-related terms and requirements set forth in such amendments.